Fiji, Oct. 15 -- The Vanuatu Government, through the responsible ministries, will consult the country's kava industry before deciding how to respond to new Fiji import regulations requiring stricter safety testing, permits and documentation for imported kava.

Director General (DG) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry and Biosecurity (MALFB), Timothy Tumukon, said the Government must work with farmers and exporters to assess the impact of the measures on Vanuatu's kava trade and agree on a national position.

The regulations, which took effect in late September, apply to imported kava in various forms, including raw roots, chips, pieces and processed powder.

Under the requirements announced by Fiji's Ministry of Health and...